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Manchester City will not be able to defend their Premier League crown because of Liverpool’s easier fixture list, a pair of BBC pundits have claimed.

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy and ex- Dion Dublin have backed Liverpool to see things out and win the title despite admitting that City have a stronger squad than the Reds.

City currently trail Liverpool by four points after both sides recorded a win over the weekend to keep up the pace at the top of the table.

But Murphy and Dublin both believe that Liverpool have an easier run-in over the final 15 games of the season, which will be enough to see them hold out for their first league title of the Premier League era.

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Speaking on Match of the Day 2 on Sunday night, Murphy explained: “I said last night that now I believe that Liverpool are going to win it. And I mean that because of things going for them even when they're playing not so well and winning games.

“Although I am aware they've not been there before and that's very important so it might get edgy as the season goes on, no matter who the opposition is. Because when you know as a footballer you've got to go out and win - and you might be eight games away, seven games away - it's going to be tough.

“But I think it's fascinating and I think it's great that we've got this healthy competition. I actually think, if you look at the fixture list now and analyse it, I think Liverpool have got the easier run-in.”

It’s something Murphy is not alone in thinking, as fellow guest Dublin admitted he also believes Liverpool will go all the way, even if he thinks City have a stronger squad.

“I believe that City have the best squad in the league and possibly are the strongest team in the league,” Dublin said.

“But at this present time, because of where Liverpool are, I'm with Danny. I think Liverpool have got that ascendancy.”